The Following is Attributed to Sheila Sorkin, Aging Support Coordinator.
Long Term Care Planning: Aging In Place
Through my experience working with aging Friends, I’ve learned some of the most difficult decisions are regarding their finances and housing. Friends’ goals are ideally to age in place. The impact of health changes can impact their ability and energy to manage activities of daily living without assistance. Activities of daily living include dressing, bathing, housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping. Is the Friend able to ambulate within their home safely? Does the Friend have transportation available? The accessibility of the floor plans of the home, accumulation of belongings, the property age, maintenance, replacement and condition of their property all come into play in reaching their goal. Affording in-home care and meeting state financial eligibility criteria for home services are accompanying concerns.
I recently attended a webinar presented by Harvard University, Housing and Aging Society, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Navigating Long-Term Care: Legal and Financial Resources. There were several take-aways worth sharing. Being strategic in planning and implementation of resolving retirement living concerns often takes a team including the Friend, partner, family or close Friends who are aware of the Friend’s caregiving needs and financial advisors. Does the Friend live alone? Is the home owned? Has a second mortgage, reverse mortgage or home equity line of credit been sought? Does the Friend have any debt, medical or credit cards? Is there a plan to manage the debt? Consider the following information while resolving these questions.
Start the Conversation Before a Crisis
One of the strongest themes from the webinar was the importance of planning early. Documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives help preserve a person’s wishes and reduce the likelihood of court involvement during a health crisis. Encouraging proactive conversations can help families maintain choice, dignity, and control.
Understand the Funding Options Available
Many families are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover ongoing long-term care. Understanding the range of funding options, including long-term care insurance, annuities, life settlements, home equity solutions, VA benefits, and Medicaid planning, can help families make informed decisions that fit their circumstances and goals.
Your Role Matters
You don’t need to have every answer. The faculty recommended exploring these resources:
- In-Home Senior Care in your community
- Understanding Guardianship and Conservatorship
- Caregiver Support
Additional Links
Long Term Care Financial Planning
PYM State Social Services – Aging Resources: includes Services, Resources and Benefits
Delaware
- Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities – DHSS
- Delaware Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) – DHSS
Maryland
- Maryland Department of Human Services
- Social Services to Adults (SSTA) – Maryland Department of Human Services
- Senior Benefits, Grants & Financial Help by State | Grants for Seniors
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Health Care Costs Support
- How to get help with medical bills | USAGov
- Is there financial help for my medical bills? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Hospitals / Health Care Systems – charity programs
- Help with drug costs | Medicare
Debt Management
Quaker Aging Resources
Quaker Aging Resources | Providing Spirit-Centered Information offers friends support with pamphlets, articles and stories in addition to informational links. While it seems to be overwhelming, PYM offers support as well. The PYM Aging Support Coordinator, Sheila Sorkin, ssorkin@pym.org can guide friends through the Aging Grants application process and seeking information and referrals. Friends Counseling Services Counseling – Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is another source of support.
This article, written by Sheila Sorkin, PYM Aging Support Coordinator, is part of the To Brighten Your Day series: stories that explore the lives of our aging community members in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
